Watford vs Leeds prediction: ENGLAND: Championship betting tips on match 2024-03-28 20:00.
[p]If a ânew manager bounceâ is a thing when youâre an interim, Tom Cleverley achieved exactly that at Watford as they beat Birmingham in his first game in charge prior to the international break, ending a winless run of four (D1, L3) which culminated in the departure of ValĂ©rien IsmaĂ«l. The Hornetsâ issues have stretched back further than that though, picking up just eight points in their last ten league games (W2, D2, L6), the joint-third fewest of any team in the division.[/p]
[p]After that win, Cleverleyâs side have at least stopped the rot, and begin this round nine points above the relegation zone. That should be enough to guarantee safety although every team they play until the end of the season is currently above them in the Championship table, including Fridayâs opponents Leeds, who Watford have lost their last three league games against, failing to score in each of them.[/p]
[p]On a run of 13 unbeaten league matches (W12, D1), the Lilywhites hit the Championship summit just before the international break by virtue of goal difference following a win at home against Millwall, taking advantage of Leicesterâs FA Cup duties prior to the internationals. That victory over Millwall came courtesy of a 2-0 margin, which is no surprise given that Daniel Farkeâs men have won 16 league matches âto nilâ so far this season, the most of any team in the Championship.[/p]
[p]Theyâve been far more productive at home than on their travels this season, but they do enter this contest on a run of six without defeat away from home in the league (W5, D1). In their 13 historical visits to Vicarage Road theyâve come out on top on five occasions, with each of those games coming under a different manager and against a different one too! However, current boss Farke has never won at Vicarage Road (L2), with his only victory against them at all being the reverse fixture this season at Elland Road (W1, L5).[/p]
[p]Key battle: Only four teams have more yellow cards than Watford this season (86), with defender Ryan Porteous responsible for 11 of those. The Hornets are also joint-top for penalties conceded (6) in the Championship, with Leeds second in the list of spot kicks awarded (7). Joël Piroe has a 100% record (2/2) from 12 yards out this season for Leeds.[/p]
[p]Hot stat: This time last year, Watford lost at home to Huddersfield. They havenât suffered consecutive Good Friday league defeats since 1988/89.[/p]